Bubblewrap

The Dead Weather - Treat Me Like Your Mother

2009-07-16T00:17:00.003+01:00

Well well, The Dead Weather have finally unleashed themselves officially upon the music world. Their LP titled "Horehound" is a keeper. Swampy-blues and riotous rock is delivered in abundance.

Treat Me Like Your Mother is a downright dirty tune-Mossharts voice is both sultry and demanding and rides the crest of some glorious jamming,

Giveamanakick - Brittle Bones

2009-07-15T23:32:00.002+01:00

Cranberries guitarist Noel Hogan has been championing many of Limerick's up and coming artists for a while now. Courtesy of Gohan Records he has curated a CD comprising of a sample of many of these artists. There are some great tracks by some very underrated artists on it such as Drumming Room, Headgear, Arkitekt and the Brad Pitt Light Orchestra.

The stand-out track comes from Giveamanakick who are probably the most popular act to come out of the "Limrock" scene in recent times. Their track Brittle Bones is a stonker. Downtempo beginnings are trounced by absolutely ferocious riffage. Like any good piece of art it always makes you want more...much much more.

Giveamanakick - Brittle Bones

Dirty Projectors - Stillness Is The Move

2009-07-13T01:36:00.002+01:00

Taken from the Dirty Projectors latest album Bitte Orca(which I am gradually warming to)comes this single is an absolute beauty. It's oozing with layered and serene vocals that would bowl over any wannabe girl group. Stillness Is The Move displays a striking ability to fuse a subtle musical composition with truly memorable vocal work. I need a fill of it at least twice a day.

Quantic and his Combo Barbaro - Tradition in Transition

2009-07-11T18:51:00.004+01:00

Tradition in Transition sees Will "Quantic" Holland mining the lesser-tapped musical sources from the Caribbean, Latin America and Africa and fusing those rediscovered styles with his own rhythmical prowess and ability to breath increased joy and exuberance into music. It's breezy Latino-infected jazz with a sprinkle of funk served on a plate-a gorgeous album for those sunny days.

Clubroot - Clubroot

2009-07-07T14:24:00.004+01:00

Burial fanatics listen up! Clubroot, courtesy of Lodubs, has just released this gem of an LP that exudes downright sensual dubstep. Clubroot, very much like Burial, has a sound that evokes mood driven atmospheres through a layering of dynamic bass lines and intricately warped samples. Deep invasive dubstep is the name of the game offering the listener a portal of escapism. This is stunning music that fills dormant gaps in one's aural environment.

Arctic Monkeys - Crying Lightning

2009-07-06T22:46:00.004+01:00

I wouldn't normally get very excited about an impending release from the Arctic Monkeys but this time round its a little bit different. Most of their album (titled Humbug)has been produced by the one and only Josh Homme in his ranch-come-studio in Joshua Tree, California. The rest of the album was produced by James Ford of Simian Mobile Disco.

Crying Lightning is a testament to the Queens of the Stone Age sound. Droning stoner rhythms are used as a foundation for those distinctively piercing riffs which Homme adores. What's left for the Monkeys to call their own on this track is only the lyrics.

Buraka Som Sistema

2009-07-05T20:43:00.003+01:00

I am loving Buraka Som Sistema at the moment. Admittedly I am a bit late getting into them considering their album Black Diamond was released in November of last year.

The Portuguese group specialise in delivering the riveting sound of Kuduro, a musical genre with it's roots emanating from Angola. The likes of M.I.A and DJ Znobia are both ambassadors and contributors to these guys rhythmic and dance-friendly sounds that gives Kudoro a worthy altar for which to preach it's uber-cool sound.

These guys are also playing the Electric Picnic in September.

Florence and the Machine - Lungs

2009-07-05T20:22:00.004+01:00

I just did a review of Lungs, the debut LP from Florence and the Machine, for this months Limerick Event Guide and I felt compelled to mention it here aswell. From start to finish Lungs flourishes and excites with Florence Welch's voice making it a very tantalising listen. Check it out you won't be dissappointed.

The Pixies to start touring with Olympia dates

2009-06-30T20:04:00.003+01:00

According to the Pixies Myspace they are set to embark on a European tour kicking off proceedings with two dates at the Olympia in Dublin on October 1st and 2nd (Thursday and Friday) Tickets go on sale this Friday (July 3)...where is my mind!

An insight into music today...

2009-06-29T00:19:00.004+01:00

There appears to be a bit of a renaissance erupting in the world of popular music. Bands are releasing sophomore albums layered with soul and adventure while this years pop princesses are no longer the Britney’s of the world.

It seems that there’s a few artists that once flew the flag for NME's template of indie blandness have broken free of the supposed “path of commercial destiny” and released material that exudes quality and genuine substance. The artists I am highlighting in this case are the likes of The Horrors, Jack Penate and The Maccabees.

When The Horrors released their debut album “Strange House” in 2007 it was most definitely a case of style over substance. Their gothic punk boudoir of clothing and hairstyles distracted the NME following from the notion that their tunes were a tad uninspiring. Their recently released second album shocked a lot of people as they found the new material boasted involving and relevant sounds. “Primary Colours” is laden with swooning and vast guitar sounds with pulsating drumming. It truly is one of the albums of 2009.

Jack Penate's debut album “Matinee” on the whole was an entity of unimaginative indie dribble it has to be said. It lacked bite and any sort of uniqueness. What he has followed that album with is another surprise to the musical world. His new album, aptly titled “Everything is New” sees a dramatic shift in direction adopting a whole array of worldly sounds that complement a focused melodic understanding.

Like Penate’s debut The Maccabees first outing lacked ambition and thirst for the extraordinary. Their material fit the indie template set out by NME tone by tone; safe song compositions with an altogether indie aesthetic. Their follow up “Wall of Arms” has seen the group morph their output into a beautifully intimate and decadent tapestry of sound seeping with emotion and substance.

These bands have gone from creating music that plays by the rules to actually delving into their souls and releasing material that means something and displays genuine substance and thought. It will be interesting to see what the future holds for bands/artists like those mentioned above who are in the NME foothold i.e. The Klaxons (who had to return to the studio under the label bosses orders upon hearing their work for their new album)

In terms of the ladies it’s the likes of Little Boots and La Roux are invigorating our airwaves with deliciously infectious pop tunes. These two are delivering quality tunes that are radio-friendly and actually propel involving lyrics as opposed to the American branded muck that we are subjected to on a regular basis. Our airwaves are slowly but surely emitting interesting pop tunes and it’s the ladies mentioned proving to be the honourable catalysts.

The Avalanches - After The Goldrush

2009-06-25T13:16:00.007+01:00

The Aussie orchestrator's of all things mixed and spliced have released a mix an eclectic off the wall mix CD that starts with Bob Dylan and The Beach Boys before mixing into the Chemical Brothers, Basement Jaxx, Felix Da Housecat, Guns ‘N Roses, DJ Zinc, Phoenix, Queen and loads more before ending with another appearance from The Beach Boys! Saloon.

It has some old school classics thrown in giving party friendly genres a celebratory outing. This would be a great mix to put on at a messy house party. It would go down as a damn fine crowd-pleaser satisfying all tastes.

This may prove a teaser to wet the appetite of those in desperate need of a follow up to 2000's Since I Left You, which I hinted at way back then

You can try it out the mix for party pumping size here

The Mars Volta - Octahedron

2009-06-15T00:59:00.004+01:00

This the fifth LP from the genre-fiddling prog-rock group The Mars Volta is quite a different type of beast to those previous albums. Octahedron contains more coherent vocals and less elongated screeches which should make the music more accessible to its incoming audience. There are still the characteristic themes of morbidity, darkness and alienation that encapsulate the focus of their material.

Compared to earlier works this is a more progressive and ultimately more formal body of material. Songs on this album are certainly less erratic than usual-With Twilight As My Guide and Copernicus(which strays into a lo-fi territory)are clear examples of this

Tracks like Cotopaxi still offer links to their latin punk funk startings.

This band is one of the main reasons as to why I am considering braving the intrepid melee of youth that is Oxegen-they are that good.

The Glass - Wanna Be Dancin'

2009-06-13T14:17:00.002+01:00

The latest offering from the The Glass, the New York based duo who specalize in electro disco/funk (somewhat reminiscent of LCD Soundsystem) but carving their own by adding dreamy shoegazed vocals is not only damn infectious but has a top-notch video to boot. LEGO will always rock

New William Elliot Whitmore recorded session

2009-06-11T19:22:00.003+01:00

The sensational William Elliot Whitmore has recorded has recorded a session for Daytrotter. All the tracks are from his new album "Animals in the Dark". He also plays an unreleased track called 'Don't Prey On Me'. You can download all the tracks from the session for free here

Experimental sounds to reach Castletroy

2009-06-03T01:17:00.003+01:00

A new dawn in the live music scene in Limerick is a-coming thanks to Guantanamo Noise Fest II. This weekend-long event is set to take place at 31 the Cedars, Castletroy (recent change of venue from the above poster) this Friday and Saturday. And yes anyone who has ever attended the University of Limerick will know that the venue in question is a student house. The house, which would usually house empty cans of Dutch Gold and Koka noodles will play host to a range of experimental sounds. When I asked the organiser (BiPolar Joe) what one can expect the reply I got was:

For an experimental gig, you shouldn't expect anything. I mean, youmight hear just about anything, thirty minutes of white noise, thesound of someone taking a dump, the theme from Dallas, fuckin'anything. They key is experimentation. Sound is not just sound, andmusic is a genre of sound, if you get what I mean. The hardest thingto do is to describe experimental music. Put it like this, John Cageused piano sounboards, K-Project uses computer games. Everything is aninstrument, experimental musicians use them all. In short, expectanything! Expect to hear things you most likely never would have ever.

Admission to this "guerilla-gig" as I like to call it is only 7 bucks...viva la'resistance!

When Sport and Music collide...

2009-05-29T23:07:00.003+01:00

The video mixing maestro that is DJ Yoda recently did a short but sweet mix for ITV in the build up to this years Champers League semi between Chelsea and Man. Utd. (United won of course, but got smacked last Wednesday by Barca which pleased me immensely). I wonder do his turntablism skills filter through to the pitch?

Chris Cunningham

2009-05-26T20:05:00.006+01:00

Ye may have noticed the latest ad for Gucci doing the rounds on the the box. The ad features a fresh rendition of Donna Summer's I Feel Love running in synch to the invigorating flutter of flowers circulating a rather attractive young woman. The result is a brief yet enlightening advert that is up there with the works of Guinness.

The director behind this advert is Chris Cunningham and his filmography consists of many groundbreaking and almost revolutionary music videos such as Bjork's All Is Full Of Love, Leftfield's Afrika Shox and Aphex Twin's Windowlicker. Everything he has touched is pure genius.

He showcases his work to date at the Electric Picnic-a definite must see.

Milosh

2009-05-23T20:23:00.004+01:00

I have recently got into Milosh who Donal Dineen has been giving some deserved airplay on Today FM. Hailing from Toronto, Michael Milosh delivers "pretty" music that incorporates smooth electronica with soft gushing vocals. There is also an r n'b feel to his material that allevites the tunes from a shoegazey fallout, which in turn gives them a distinctive groove-great driving music on slow sundays.

The track You Fill Me from Meme (his second LP released in 2006) has been embedded in my head from my very first listen. Its melody swings and serenades while the romantic vocals enrapture the senses. A complete gem of a tune. Click on the link below to download and enjoy!

http://www.zshare.net/audio/6042171891314a65/

The xx - Crystalised

2009-05-18T00:10:00.005+01:00

I am digging this tune (and band for that matter) in a big way. The xx hail from good oul' Londontown and have been creating waves in the UK blogosphere as of late. This tune is one of the most intimate and provocative songs I have heard all year...totally engrossing!

Pet Shop Boys - Love Etc.

2009-05-15T01:50:00.002+01:00

Camp electro-pop it may be but I think this is a great tune and with a wonderful animated video makes it all the more impressionable:

Prefuse 73 - Everything She Touched Turned Ampexian

2009-05-14T21:28:00.003+01:00

Prefuse 73's output to date has consistently involved rich and diverse tapestrys of sound that encapsulate various genres. This, the fifth album from the man from Georgia USA, is no different delivering a 29 track body of work that splashes short yet substantial tracks, typically under a minute long, with tracks of normal length which trancsends into an album that constantly surprises the listener. No one stage of the album submits to a definitive genre as such. There are samplings of hip hop, lo-fi IDM, jazz and so on. There even snippets of dub on tracks like Fountains of Spring, while tracks like Four Reels Collide and Whipcream Eyepatch appear to have lost the marbles of genre definition altogether.

This is a terribly endearing and involving package of music that pulsates in waves of controlled spontaneity whilst potraying a certain level of romanticism

This is big...

2009-05-13T01:28:00.002+01:00

It looks like the long awaited Avalanches second album is due out soon! Ambiguous it may be but their Myspace and Official Site both come with a fresh announcement of "clearing samples" which can only mean the album is finished with only licensing and all that jazz to be dealt with.

Their inagural LP Since I Left You is an absolute gem jampacked with bold and exciting samples and general badass mixing-here's hoping the second instalment is just as tantalising...

Moth/Wolf Club tracks for your listening pleasure

2009-05-07T01:31:00.003+01:00

Thanks to the good folks of the interweb the two tracks from the mysterious 12" released by Four Tet and Burial(as I mentioned a last week) are availble to tantalise your pretty ears:

Eagles of Death Metal to hit Limerick!

2009-05-05T19:08:00.002+01:00

Dolans Warehouse have just confirmed that the Eagles of Death Metal will be playing on Tuesday August 25th with tickets available now from their website for 18 bucks.

This is quite the coup, with the EODM renowned for downright sexy and electric rock n' roll. I wonder will the legend that is Josh Homme be on the drums for this show...

Wish I was there...

2009-04-27T18:09:00.005+01:00

I hate seeing things like this:

...and to think she only gave birth a few weeks ago, some woman.

Four Tet/Burial Collaboration???

2009-04-25T11:49:00.003+01:00

Apparently there is a split 12" on the horizon comprising of the works of Burial and Four Tet. This is damn exciting but as always with the Burial aura there is a shroud of mystery. There is no artwork, no promos....nothing really apart from being called Moth/Wolf Club. Oh and it sold out in a day via Bleep. Here's hoping another batch will be released.

R.S.A.G live @ Dolans, 22 April

2009-04-23T15:23:00.005+01:00

I hit R.S.A.G in Dolans(upstairs) last night and what a performance it was. I had only heard Jeremy Hickeys material prior to the gig through his studio recordings and was damn curious to see how he emulated this material onstage. The performance surpassed my expectations big time. It wasnt just music being displayed, it was art in its most universal and creative form on show.

Through the use of a Gorillaz-esque visual display (courtesy of Paul Mahon), Hickey adds the components for each track that are not drum orientated (be it bass, piano etc.) through impersonations of himself playing the insruments on the screen behind him. These visuals run in tandem to Hickeys flawless drumming. This man has the skills to play the bloody bills. The drumming and overall instumentation was superb. The music he composes is quite intricate but at the same time very soulful. I felt my feet constantly tapping the floor not knowing exactly what to do themselves, much like a frenzied game of hopscotch.

RSAG - Days Go By (Live) from mrpaulmahon on Vimeo.

Mirah - (a)spera

2009-04-23T13:59:00.002+01:00

I got wind of theis album a tad late but upon discovering it I made up for it by giving it a prolonged listen. Mirahs fourth studio album (a)spera is a bit of a gem, bringing the listener on an expedition of the soul. This is delivered through a soft yet enticing voice (quite similar to that of Cathy Davey) and wonderfully natural progeressions in the music, elevating both emotion and intensity. The World is Falling is perfect example of this. Explorations into other musical cultures is evident in Country of the Future. Mirahs grittier side is banged out in Forest and The River.

This is one for the listen over brunch

Ebony Bones - The Muzik

2009-04-22T19:57:00.001+01:00

Really liking this tune at the mo-dirty disco at its finest...

DM Stith to play Roisin Dubh

2009-04-19T12:46:00.002+01:00

The captivating DM Stith is set to play Galways Roisin Dubh on Friday May 22nd. This gig should not be missed as it is also set at a recession freindly price of 0 euros!

Boxcutter - Arecibo Message

2009-04-18T12:32:00.004+01:00

Arecibo Message, released on Planet µ records, is the third album from Barry Lynn (a.k.a Boxcutter). The Lurgan man yet again delivers a clever and fascinating body of work. The intricate compositions associated with his previous work are still in play that make the listen a tantalising experience. This time around Lynn deviates the tunes with a subtle yet distinctive groove or funk, not usually heard of in the Dubstep world. Track no.4: Spacebass is a clear indication of this refreshing direction. Altough maybe not for the casual listener, Arecibo Message is a great listen.

Here is track no. 10 of the album: Otherside Remix (Earth is my Spaceship)

Electric Picnic 2009 announces first wave of acts

2009-04-16T00:05:00.003+01:00

Well well well, the EP boys have conjured up quite a tasty bunch of acts for this years festival. It does lack the heavy hitters that would grab your immediate attention but on the whole the line up is riddled with quality acts. The mighty Orbital are a must see along with the antics of Madness. I do hope they put Zero7 on for an early slot on the Mainstage on Sunday so as to lure me back into an able capacity. Credit must be given for the superb range of Irish acts on offer, namely Jape, Halfset, Villagers, and Lisa Hannigan. I am not so sure about MGMT though, hearing them at least 8 times a day via somebodys ringtone has driven me to detest them.

Anyways so far so good, and with more to come this year could very well be up there as one of the festivals better years(like 2005 and 2007)

Heroes of Popular Wars

2009-04-14T19:43:00.004+01:00

The Heroes of Popular Wars have mad my ears tingle with intrigue from the moment I heard their small but delightful collection of tunes. The Brooklyn two-piece are Stephe(aka the "Blue Eyed Devil") and Rory(aka "DJ Red Cent"). They are almost ready to release their first record titled "Church and McDonald" and have allowed the public access to a generous free sampler to be availed of here

Have a listen and you will become engulfed in rich spacey landscapes like that of M83 bunched with flashes of other-worldly sound clips. Enjoy

The Dead Weather

2009-04-08T00:15:00.004+01:00

I am really looking forward to see what comes of this latest indie-rock supergroup. The Dead Weather consists of Jack White, The Kills' Alison Mosshart, Jack Lawrence of the Raconteurs and Dean Fertita of Queens of the Stone Age. That's a highly credible and intrigueing congregation of musicians. They have just announced their first public show set for April 14 at NYC's Bowery Ballroom. Sure they would be a grand addition to this years forthcoming Electric Picnic would'nt they?

This is a fairly rapturous indication:

The Ropes - Be My Gun

2009-04-07T12:47:00.004+01:00

The Ropes are a two piece indie group from NYC consisting of vocalist/bassist Sharon Shy and multi-instrumentalist Toppy (known for playing drums with the guitar hanging around his neck. Their forte is to open up lifes confusion's and problem's for debate and clarity.

Be My Gun epitomises this mission, shall we say. The engaging message is delivered in tandem with an infectious ryhthm (this strong ryhthm may be attributable to the fact that much of their work has been produced by Nic Hard of The Bravery) that evokes a slight resemblance to the sound of Garbage back in the day. The Ropes are kind of what The Gossip would sound like minus the flamboyant loudness of Beth Ditto.

Tenaka

2009-04-06T18:48:00.004+01:00

I came across this superb artist recently but forgot to post anything about him until now on this Monday evening come down after a week that involved a birthday, Amsterdam and randomness.

Tenaka is the moniker of Ronan Carroll,a Limerick man now residing in Galway whose music has been described as:

the clockwork rhythms of Plaid, the folky sensibilities of Fridge, and some hushed singing

His "EPonymously Titled" EP is available for free download on his Myspace here

Its a surprisingly captivating collection of material. The first track Aint Nobody brings the listener into a hazy, almost sub-concious state through Carrolls vocals. What follows is an alluring lo-fi journey which could fly the Irish flag in the cozy world of Folktronica. The sounds played are subtle but have this determined power that allow them to leave a pleasant imprint in the listeners mind. A perfect accompaniment to a nice hot chocolate with cream imo.

Akil the MC(Jurassic 5) - The Belltable - Friday 27th

2009-03-30T08:40:00.006+01:00

Limerick's Belltable saw a frenzy of hip hop shenanigans with Akil (formerly of the now disbanded Jurassic 5)hitting the mic last Friday night. Support on the night came from Leon who masterfully mixes and splices the freshest beats with the classics to get the crowds heads bopping in tow.

Akil hit the stage and the beats and rhymes punched the air powerfully. Jurassic 5 material was drawn out to engage the crowd but it was clear that they were open to anything and everything he threw at them. Within the space of half an hour the pint-sized rhymes merchant left the stage to locate himself in the centre of the dancefloor while the crowd swarmed around him. What followed was the start of a beautiful relationship with both the artist and the crowd making love together to produce an offspring of continuous smiles. Akil invited others to drop rhymes over the beats and those who did did so with such ability one felt they could carry on with the show themselves. By the end of the show there was no Akil to be seen on stage-he was getting his dance on with the locals.

It was this connection the artist offered to the crowd that made the night an unforgettable night in Limerick. Could it be the best gig I have been to in Limerick?....

Here is a flashback to the J5 days:

DM Stith - Heavy Ghost

2009-03-26T20:06:00.006Z

It has been a long time since I heard an album open with such a striking opening as DM Stiths debut album Heavy Ghost. The opening track Isaac's Song wrestles with emotion and sound in a magnificiently distorted fashion that instantly captures the listeners attention. This quite simply a very interesting body of work. On first listen I drew tangents to PJ Harvey's White Chalk album due to the overall eerieness and dipping nature of the music. But upon further listens it becomes apparent that this is a bigger beast than its predecessors.

High tribal-folk overtones buffer the album with landscaped melodys and inspiring displays of experimentation to result in a pretty spectacular piece of music. The album treads the troughs of obsure sounds tremendously, without straying into anything too foreign. Below is a video for the track no.2 on the album called Pity Dance:

Show me your Genitals

2009-03-24T16:23:00.000Z

What a lark....

Bon Iver for Galway Arts Festival

2009-03-24T09:17:00.002Z

According to Jim Carroll, Bon Iver will be bringing his heartfelt tales and earthy melodies to the Galway Arts Festival on July 23rd. This is a must see, mind you I would not be all too surprised if a Electric Picnic date was added (christ the festival needs names like this to compete with Oxegen's awesome line up this year)

Yeah Yeah Yeahs - Zero

2009-03-21T12:21:00.001Z

What a tune-what a video-what a tune.....

Antony and the Johnsons - Live Video

2009-03-18T23:10:00.002Z

Pitchfork have great footage of Antony and co. live right here

Dan Deacon - Bromst

2009-03-12T22:06:00.003Z

I finally got Dan Deacon's new album "Bromst" and my ears have been ringing with amazement after the first listen. It is a bloody cracker. I find it more fitting to describe the album in a spit of words, rather than sentences: wild, frantic, booming, fun, joyous, fun, rapid, sporadic, fun, charged, epileptic....I could go on and on

Try out the tune below and let the words flow out-there is just so much going on....

Great Friday

2009-03-12T21:55:00.004Z

The solution to the countrys dry day is here. I caught wind of this last year on the day itself but I had already made arrangements. Definetely going to hit it this year....and its BYOB for extra recession freindly fun!

Superstar DJs:Here We Go!

2009-03-11T08:49:00.003Z

This new book from Dom Phillips(former editor of Mixmag) chronicles both the rise of British club culture with the status of DJs in tandem in the 1990s, and the fall subsequently after the turn of the Millenium.

This is a gem of a read for the likes of myself a few years back i.e a hermit-type bedroom DJ with aspirations to have 5,000 clubbers hanging on to my every beat. It contains some great waves of nostalgia and rock n' roll tales,such as how one DJ had his wife leave him after she discovered a clause in his gig contracts specifying the provision of a blow job! All the DJs of the not so long ago era are there: Oakenfold, Tong, Sasha, Lavelle and so on. Here is the Times review.

Woodpigeon to play Academy 2, 22nd May 2009

2009-03-10T08:41:00.002Z

The Canadian neo-folk rockers Woodpigeon play Dublins Academy 2 on Friday May 22nd. Their sound fits the indie-folk template adorned by the likes of Fleet Foxes and the Dodos.

The group boast sweet flowing melodys in complement to soaring strings, which result in mellow and breezingly transient songs that give the listener that warm fuzzy feeling inside. Lead singer Mark Hamiltons vocals are suitably rich and elongated reminding me of Sufjan Stevens.

Thanks to Stephen for the heads up on this

Check out this delightful tune:

Bat for Lashes - Two Suns

2009-03-09T21:13:00.003Z

Natasha Khan a.k.a Bat for Lashes is back with the follow up to her spectacular debut album Fur and Gold of 2006. "Two Suns" follows from the debut with another picnic basket serving wonderful instrumentation with other worldly sounds and provocative lyrics.

She does seem to pick up where she left the last album whilst picking up a few electronic goodies along the way to give an added flavour to the ingredients in her basket. “Glass” is a confident opener seeing Khan place greater emphasis on higher notes than she would have in the past giving an early indication of the added dexterity affixed to her voice.

The natural element of the music that was essential to "Fur and Gold" fades as the album goes on with a new electronic weighting given to the material. Thankfully this is not an overbearing inclusion ,unlike a lot of electro pop records at present. Credible synths will give fans something fresh to relate to. The first single “Daniel” does dwell upon slightly dated 80s flavour, but her unique voice alleviates it from falling over itself.

The album throbs with dense progressive moments over a foundation of sweet ambience but the final two tracks do dampen the flow of the album ever so slightly. All in all another wonderful mystical journey.

Sol Seppy - Enter One

2009-03-07T19:31:00.003Z

I was watching the last episode in the fourth series of BBCs brilliant show Ideal the other night and this song came on at the end. I felt utterly compelled to hunt for the name of the song and artist.

"Enter One" by Sol Seppy is a powerful, powerful tune. Delicate yet sublime piano notes ascend into a space with the airy vocals to deliver a truly moving piece of music. It demonstrates the ability of an artist capable of calibrating simple sounds and gentle touches to emit music charged with an intimacy similar to some works of Sigur Ros and Ulrich Schnauss.

Listen, then listen again-you might shed a tear!

Jape wins Choice Music Prize 2009

2009-03-05T19:54:00.003Z

As I predicted Jape wins the Irish "Mercury" prize with his smashing album "Ritual". Great to see the award go to a Richie Egan who seems to persevere through the industry hurdles and constantly deliver quality music that allows innovation and utter charm to stand side by side.

I caught him live at this years Life Festival and god dammit I enjoyed myself

Tenori-on

2009-03-04T08:40:00.002Z

Flashback from Saturday night!...Four Tet plucked an alien device from behind his effects board that looked like that Lights Out game on speed. The device in play was a Tenori-on. And what a trippy little toy it is. Apparently pressing and holding the switches/lights maps beats and sequences. Something tells me Radiohead will incorporate this onto a live stage, but the whole band absail down a massive board of lights to play "Ideotheque".

I heard about this device before but seeing it in action live was fascinating to say the least.

La Roux - Quicksand

2009-03-03T18:46:00.004Z

This little nugget of tunage from Englands latest electro-pop hopeful has grown on me over last couple of days. Its so breezy and gives a nice splash of electro-pop to my ears. Its packed with punchy beats and and synths meshed sweetly with Elly Jacksons vocals. The rest of their material isnt bad, check them out here

Seminar on the works of Morrissey, UL, April 23rd

2009-03-03T13:00:00.005Z

The University of Limerick will play host to a seminar on the writings and works of Morrissey on Friday April 23rd and Saturday 24th. The event intends to divulge into the provocative writings of Morrissey and shed a somewhat academic light on them. The seminar is curated by Dr Eoin Devereux from UL's Department of Sociology.

Following on from this renowned Smiths tribute act "These Charming Men" play Dolans Warehouse on the Saturday (24th)

Tickets and more info can be found here

Four Tet, Saturday 28th Feb, Andrews Lane

2009-03-02T15:17:00.003Z

I finally got to witness the live sounds of Four Tet on Saturday night and I was quite satisfied. I did notice early on in the night while the support acts were on that there was a scant presence of drums or any other applicable live instruments. As complex as Keiran Hebdens sounds are I thought he would dare to incorporate a live set of drums into the performance.

Tim Exile was on before Hebden and his own electro brand of Jamie Liddell style beat making was damn tasty. A nice dose of tricky loops and crunching beats set up for the main act nicely. During this time though I realised that Andrews Lane Theatre carries sound awfully. The walls at either side of the dancefloor area extend out past the line of the ends of the stage and seem to steal the sound from saturating the room. The venue mad up for it by having some of the friendliest crowds I have come across at a gig. As a friend said to me "I could have happliy left my bag on the ground for the night and no-one would have harmed it"

Hebden graced the stage to applause and lured the crowd into "Ringer" which set the tone for a set flowing with his best tunes that made the "folktronica" tag of which he has attained (reluctantly or not) so popular amongst those in the dance world. I found myself closing my eyes for most of the gig and letting the music fill my ears with absolute delight. The Four Tet sound has that power which can put you in a really positive place. Many of the sets material ("And Then Patterns" and "Sun, Drums and Soil some of the highlights for me) came from the "Everything Ecstatic" album of 2005 which epitomizes the notion that music can act as food for the soul.

Here is the opening of the set:

Venetian Snares, Dublin & Cork, April 2009

2009-02-22T15:40:00.002Z

Mister Aaron Funk (class name...I am so calling my son that) a.k.a Venetian Snares has confirmed he is hitting Ireland for dates at the following:

Sat 11 April: Andrews Lane Theatre, Dublin
Sun 12 April: Cypress Avenue, Cork

This is a guy not to be missed. His material involves orchestrating rich and spacey musical landscapes (often with the aid of eastern influences) to collide with snapy flashes of insane breakcore. His 2005 album "Rossz Csillag Alatt Született" demonstrates this perfectly. Check out his site

Check out the vid for "Hajnal" of that very album below. (the video work itself was created by some random guy who just mashed the music and images together....quite trippy)

Metronomy - A Thing For Me

2009-02-18T11:15:00.001Z

I am loving this tune at the moment. It should be annoying but it isn't. The vocals are unrefined and synths are rather simplistic but damn it it works....less is more

Dark was the Night

2009-02-16T19:34:00.002Z

Check out three tracks I picked from the forthcoming "Dark was the Night" compilation to the left of the screen

<<<< Here to be exact

Dark Was The Night will be released on February 17th, 2009. It’s comprised of 31 exclusive tracks and it will be available as a double cd/triple vinyl/download and will benefit the Red Hot Organization – an international charity dedicated to raising money and awareness for HIV and AIDS through popular culture. They are the people responsible for albums including No Alternative, Red Hot and Blue and many more, and this is their 20th year, and this is the 20th release!

DARK WAS THE NIGHT

THIS DISC
1 Knotty Pine – Dirty Projectors + David Byrne
2 Cello Song (Nick Drake) – The Books featuring Jose Gonzalez
3 Train Song (Vashti Bunyan recorded, written by Alasdair Clayre) – Feist + Ben Gibbard
4 Brackett, WI – Bon Iver
5 Deep Blue Sea – Grizzly Bear
6 So Far Around the Bend – The National (arrangement by Nico Muhly)
7 Tightrope – Yeasayer
8 Feeling Good (popularized by Nina Simone) – My Brightest Diamond
9 Dark Was the Night (Blind Willie Johnson) – Kronos Quartet
10 I Was Young When I Left Home (Bob Dylan) – Antony + Bryce Dessner
11 Big Red Machine – Justin Vernon + Aaron Dessner
12 Sleepless – The Decemberists
13 Stolen Houses (Die) – Iron and Wine
14 Service Bell – Grizzly Bear + Feist
15 You Are The Blood – Sufjan Stevens

THAT DISC
1 Well-Alright – Spoon
2 Lenin – Arcade Fire
3 Mimizan – Beirut
4 El Caporal – My Morning Jacket
5 Inspiration Information (Shuggie Otis) – Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings
6 With A Girl Like You (The Troggs) – Dave Sitek
7 Blood Pt 2 (based on original song “You are the Blood” by the Castanets) – Buck 65 Remix (featuring Sufjan Stevens and Serengeti)
8 Hey, Snow White (Destroyer) – The New Pornographers
9 Gentle Hour (Snapper) – Yo La Tengo
10 Another Saturday (traditional song) – Stuart Murdoch
11 Happiness – Riceboy Sleeps
12 Amazing Grace (traditional song) – Cat Power and Dirty Delta Blues
13 The Giant Of Illinois (Handsome Family) – Andrew Bird
14 Lua – Conor Oberst + Gillian Welch
15 When the Road Runs Out – Blonde Redhead + Devastations
16 Love vs. Porn – Kevin Drew

Villagers, Roisin Dubh last night...

2009-02-13T10:12:00.003Z

Well to say the rushed drive from Limerick to Galway last night for this gig was worth it would be an understatement. My expectations were high but by golly were they met. And surprisingly the gig was free, I would have happily paid 10-15 quid.

Another surprise was the presence of one Richie Egan (a.k.a Jape) I thought he was just there for a listen but then he plugged in the bass guitar and away he went. Part of me was aching for a snippet of "Floating" but it never came.

Another surprise was the guy playing keys was playing his first ever gig and he appeared highly capable and at ease. It must be the company he keeps as Conor O'Brien (Villagers frontman, instigator) exudes such a warm and inviting presence to the stage. He is quite the talent and packs quite the punch for a guy with such an elf like stature.

His material is captivating and deep that complemented a set that flowed smoothly. The softer tunes were given the attention they deserved whilst the tunes that punched a hole in the room were delivered with impeccable pinache.

The Villagers "Hollow Kind EP" is out now.

Check them out here , or in whatever other way you can...even if you have to break the speed limit in getting to Galway from Limerick

No youtube vids up for the gig...but check this one out:

R.S.A.G Irish Tour

2009-02-11T16:32:00.004Z

A smile suddenly enveloped my face at the sight of R.S.A.G's Irish tour: 2 dates for Limerick!

The multi-instrumentalist Jeremy Hickey (a.k.a R.S.A.G) has been known to astound crowds with his unique and vibrant live shows complemented by daring graphics on the screens he adopts as props. His material is oozing with infectious loops and thumping percussion delivered with impeccable precision. His debut album "Organic Sampler" has been shortlisted for this years Choice Music Prize.

He is undoubtebly this small islands most exciting artist at present.

TICKETS FOR ALL SHOWS ON-SALE THURSDAY 12TH FEBRUARY

APRIL
Monday 20 NUI, Maynooth
Wednesday 22 Dolan's, Limerick
Thursday 23 Spirit Store, Dundalk
Friday 24 Auntie Annie's, Belfast
Saturday 25 Roisin Dubh, Galway
Monday 27 UCD Ball
Wednesday 29 Cyprus Avenue, Cork
Thursday 30 UL College Ball, Limerick

MAY
Friday 1 Electric Avenue, Waterford
Saturday 2 Whelan's, Dublin
Thursday 7 QueensUniversityBelfast
Friday 8 Trinity Ball, Dublin

http://www.myspace.com/rarelyseenaboveground

The Release Party

2009-02-10T17:20:00.006Z

The solution to your Friday nights in Limericks fair city is finally here!

Starting this Friday (13th Feb) in the refurbished downstairs of Aubars (it is looking damn nice) those merry folk from Eightball Promotions bring you a night of stress free frolicks and good times...basically forget all the bullshit going on and just bop through it

Read the statement here

See you there!

Fever Ray

2009-02-10T13:15:00.002Z

I am quite absorbed in Fever Rays self titled album at the moment. It is the work of one half of the Knife, Karin Dreijer Anderssons.

The album infiltrates spaces previously unexplored by electro heads. There are times in this album where I felt I was lost in the landscape of a world of synths and percussion that is subtle and incredibely powerful at the same time. Put this baby on loud while driving and the bass shudders the car with a surprising tenacity. The vocals as expected are majestic and fitting with the challenges of each song.

In terms of consistency and overall quality I believe this offering surpasses that of the Knifes brilliant album of 2006 "Silent Shout"

Here is the opening track of the album (out in shops mid-March)

Ladyhawke, The Academy, Thursday 5th

2009-02-08T15:40:00.003Z

I made the trip to Ladyhawke at the Academy in Dublin, mind you some jaded planning resulted in only getting to see the last half an hour which actually wasnt a bad thing as I got to see the majority of the cracking tunes off the Aussies album ( at times some tunes on the album are just a bit meh)Something told me however the most part of the set may have been a somewhat lacklustre affair due to the crowds stagnant presence on view upon my entry into the venue.

I was impressed with the Academy as it was a lot more intimatet than I imagined it would be. The lady Pip was lloking lovely as I expected and graced the mic with ease.

There was very little deviation between the output of her material live however. Especially the likes of "My Delerium" or "Paris is Burning" I thought could have been approached with more vigour in comparision to the studio/ album versions. Otherwise it was damn enjoyable.

Roll on Four Tet at Andrews Lane Theatre at the end of the month...

Now thats what I call a line up....

2009-02-02T01:06:00.003Z

Every year since I went my first festival (Witnness) I have been looking for a festival that offers the best line up with a eclectic spectrum of heavy hitters, fresh up and comers and varying genres. Well Coachella 2009 is coming damn close. Pity I dont have the cash to pay for flights to LA...maybe next year...

Oxegen 2009 headliners- blandfest

2009-01-28T18:03:00.002Z

According to NME Kings of Leon, The Killers and Snow Patrol are to be this years headliners. This is highly safe route for MCD to take, really playing to the festivals demographic.

Having a headliner play two years in a row (KoL) is downright pathetic in my opinion, I mean really is the country not sick to its stomach of them?

And as for the other two headliners....the will undoubtebly suck the energy from the punters with their back catalogues that instigate chronic snoring.

I went to Oxegen last year solely on the back of an outstanding line up. I know its early days with regards revealing the line up but I genuinely thought Oxegen was winning back the music lovers, obviously I was wrong.

Dj Scotch Egg tommorow night, Bakers Place

2009-01-28T16:59:00.002Z

I am looking forward to this. Scotch Egg is bringing his crazy sounds and modified Nintendo Gameboys to Baker Place tommorow night (Thursday 29th)

And only a fiver in!

RTE's Other Voices

2009-01-21T23:39:00.002Z

I am sitting down watching the second episode of RTE's Other Voices. Now in its seventh season, the stations only dedicated music programme continues to humble me with the notion of the power of simplicity.

It is such a simple concept. Have good musicians, both international and homegrown, playing in a quaint, rural town like Dingle. The calibre of musicians over the past two shows resonates the attractiveness of the concept. Elbow, Lisa Hannigan, Richard Hawley, Eric Bibb deliver concentrated and moving performances amidst the backdrop of an idyllic church (or pub, or bowling alley!)

The show reminds me of stories I hear about Sigur Ros playing gigs in the heart of their native Iceland, surrounded by the spectacular elements of nature the landscape bears. It is their way of sharing the landscape and music with the people.

RTE deserve a pat on the back for once

Heres Lisa Hannigan from last years show:

http://www.rte.ie/tv/othervoices/

Antony and the Johnsons-The Crying Light

2009-01-20T21:04:00.003Z

The new album from Antony and co. is just as I expected...glorious. After a couple of listens it doesnt match with the calibre of 2005s Mercury Music Prize winning "I am a Bird Now" but it comes damn close.

Antonys voice is extraordinary, swallowing the peaks and troughs of the accompanying arrangements seamlessly and emmiting a voice regarded as one of the most unique and beautiful the world has heard to date. This is music that is medicine for the soul.

The Villagers

2009-01-19T21:20:00.002Z

Conor O'Briens latest project is soon to get its official EP release. Nialler9 has been granted two tracks to wet the appetite:

http://www.nialler9.com/2009/01/19/premiere-villagers-hollow-kin/

If you saw the performance of "Pieces" on the most recent airing of RTEs "Other Voices" you will certainly have something to get excited about for the coming years homegrown music:

http://www.rte.ie/tv/othervoices/archive.html

Passion Pit- Sleepyhead

2009-01-19T14:31:00.001Z

I am loving this tune right now. Its so joyous and boppy...really puts a pep in ones step....

Limericks Comic Revolution

2009-01-12T10:06:00.002Z

Amidst the forboding closure of Dell and economic downturn in the area Limericks citzens are still capable of projecting a humourous light on the city. The recent performances of the now legendary pranksters The Rubber Bandits has proved the popularity of the duo, with their material being shared around the globe through the chatterings of the citys ex-pats.

The boys behind "Limerick Uncovered" are also making a name for themselves with their hilarious videos and attracting cameos from rugby player Jerry Flannery and comedian Joe Rooney.

Limerick laughs.

The Day The Earth Stood Still

2009-01-05T15:38:00.002Z

Firstly Happy New Years to all-let your 2009 be as great and prosperous as you hope it to be.

I went to see the new Keanu Reeves film "The Day The Earth Stood Still" last friday and my oh my what silage it was. Apart from the whole deja-vu factor associated with all apocalytpic hollywood offloads there was also the hidden message that we are all the cause of the worlds demise. Throw is some blatant product placement from the cuddly Microsoft and McDonalds and you have yourself a film that makes you die a little inside scene after scene.

"Australia" was booked up in case you were wondering

My Top Lists 2008

2008-12-14T21:40:00.005Z

So here I go-my top lists of all things music for the year 2008:

Top 10 Albums:

1. Portishead-Third
2. Bon Iver-For Emma Forever Ago
3. Foals-Antidotes
4. The Notwist- The Devil You and Me
5. Laura Marling-Alas I Cannot Swim
6. TV On The Radio- Dear Science
7. Benga-Diary of an Afro Warrior
8. Elbow-The Seldom Seen Kid
9. Ez3kiel - Battlefield
10. Pivot-O Soundtrack My Heart

Just missed the cut: Kanye West-808s and Heartbreak, Sigur Ros-Með suð í eyrum við spilum endalaust, Late Of The Pier-Fantasy Black Channel, Lisa Hannigan-Sea Sew, M83-Saturdays=Youth, David Holmes-The Holy Pictures

Top 20 Singles:

1. Laura Marling- Night Terror
2. Portishead- Magic Doors
3. Yeasayer- 2080
4. Neon Neon- I Lust U
5. Kanye West- Love Lockdown
6. Elbow-Grounds for Divorce
7. Santogold- L.E.S Artistes
8. The Gutter Twins- Idle Hands
9. Sigur Ros- Gobbledigook
10. TV on the Radio- Family Tree
11. Beck- Walls
12. Lisa Hannigan- Teeth
13. Death Cab For Cutie- I Will Possess Your Heart
14. Grinderman- No Pussy Blues
15. Elbow- Some Riot
16. David Holmes- I Heard Wonders
17. Bon Iver- Flume
18. Kanye West- Welcome To Heartbreak
19. Foals- Olympic Airwaves
20. The Notwist- Boneless

Top 10 Gigs

1. Rage Against the Machine @ Oxegen
2. Radiohead @ Malahide Castle
3. Sigur Ros @ Electric Picnic
4. Kanye West @ NEC Birmingham
5. Lisa Hannigan @ Jean Monnet Theatre UL
6. Underworld @ Electric Picnic
7. The Roots @ Electric Picnic
8. Wiggle @ Life Festival
9. The Prodigy @ Oxegen
10. Mr Scruff @ Trinity Rooms Limerick

A good year on the Irish Front where more innovative and quality artist have been given well deserved (and vital) spotlight such as Lisa Hannigan, Rarely Seen Above Ground etc. etc.

2008 for me was a year of getting my ears around as much as possible....and despite this cold spell we are experiencing outside, my ears are warm and cosy from a year of spectacular sounds filling them.

Franz Ferdinand to play Dolans

2008-12-09T12:43:00.002Z

Franz Ferdinand will be playing Dolans Warehouse February 28, 2009 according to Jim Carroll!

That is quite a pull to be fair!

Youtubes new search feature...

2008-12-04T09:06:00.000Z

....above each embedded video-I like very much.

Its the small things isnt it.

What cover artwork this is.....

2008-11-30T14:48:00.002Z

Live at the Marquee Cork announces first batch of shows already

2008-11-28T18:30:00.001Z

A batch of acts have been assigned to the Marquee shows in Cork. They seem to have been announced a bit earlier than usual.

The Prodigy in a Marquee would be well worth it:

June 18 – The Prodigy. €59.40, on sale Wednesday December 3

June 20 – Gilbert O’Sullivan. €39.20/€41.70, on sale Tuesday December 2

June 21 – Kasabian. €33.60, on sale Tuesday December 2

June 27 – Christy Moore. €35 – €45, on sale Monday December 1

July 4 – Josh Ritter. €38, Wednesday December 3

July 7 – Rod Stewart. €81.25/€91.25, on sale Monday December 1

Orbital to reform!!!!!!!!

2008-11-24T10:20:00.002Z

Oh joy! According to NME:

Orbital have reformed after five years and will headline the Big Chill 2009.

The dance duo, whose split after their last gig headlining the Other Stage at Glastonbury in 2004, will head up the line-up for the Eastnor, Herefordshire bash, which will take place on August 7, 8 and 9 next summer.

Speaking about their reformation, Orbital's Phil Hartnoll said in a statement: "It's not an exercise in nostalgia, the time just seems right. Everything just seemed to fall into place.

"We've got 15 years of active service, making song. If you boil that down to a 90-minute festival set you should get something thoroughly exciting from beginning to end. Let's put some fun back into it."

No other acts on the bill have been announced yet. Keep checking NME.COM for ticket details when announced.

Acts including Leonard Cohen, The Mighty Boosh band and Roisin Murphy were on the bill for last August's bash.

Thank god for this as I was very sore with myself for missing their last Irish gig at Oxegen 2004 due to some piss poor timetabling by MCD. I mean what genius decided to have Orbital on the same time as Massive Attack AND the Chemical Brothers. Those MCD heads are a special bunch.

My intuition would lead me to believe they will headline Electric Picnic 2009.

Tune I would most like to wrap up at present....

2008-11-24T10:09:00.004Z

is "Walls" from Becks latest album "Modern Guilt".

There is such an addictive flow to it...and I need a fix of it every day, just to take the edge of you know

LCD Soundsystem are no more....

2008-11-21T11:16:00.002Z

Apparently James Murphy has callled it a day for LCD Soundsystem material being created however the personnel ensemble of the group will operate in the near future under a different alias and a possible change in direction musically.

A sad day, but possibly the dawn of a great day....

Kanye West, NEC Birmingham 15/11/08

2008-11-19T21:45:00.002Z

The best way I thought of celebrating fnishing some tough projects was to visit a friend in Birmingham and smack up the Kanye West gig. Kanye West is an artist I admire for his willingness to utilise various genres in creating his own style of tunes. At times I find some of his material hit and miss (mainly due to some of those tunes with the annoying vocal distortions reminiscent of a Scooter song-his song "Through the Wire" springs to mind. Ultimately the man has serious talent and confidence and I knew it was going to be a belter of a show.

The NEC arena in Birmigham is a fine arena and altough we were seated in the furthest corner of the arena away from the stage the sound wasnt totally lacking as I presumed it would. I was delighted to hear Santogold was the support act but her performance was timid enough. The crowd seemed impatient with her to be honest.

Kanyes stage setup was bloody impressive. Elevated slopes covered the stage to mimic an alien planet with the flat mid-section mobile throughout the performance moving forwards, upwards an so on. The live band were situated in the front of the stage. Each member or section of the band were elevated for each performance depending on their input to each song.

Kanye spoke to a "Knight Rider" type character on the giant screen intermittently between songs which I thought was a good idea but was executed poorly. It came across a tad cheesy.

Mr. West is a known performer-the man can belt them out. A lot of songs were given fresh adjustments and others were pushed into a higher gear. "Jesus Walks", "Diamonds are Forever" and "Flashing Lights" were real standouts. The whole crowd throw hands forward in unison which saw something to behold from where we were standing.

The man leaves an impression. The mans got talent. If you can check him out.

MTV EMA 2008....last night

2008-11-07T13:51:00.003Z

Sweet merciful lord what was last nights EMAs(on in Liverpool) all about.

Firstly Katy Perry was disgracefully hollow with her weak presenting consisting of childish sexual innuendos.

Secondly there were moments where it felt like some major propaganda rally (dare I compare it to the Nuremburg Rallys of the Hitler era) for Barack Obama. Every presenter or artist paid homage to him at any given chance. I am not trying to be pessimistic about his victory, and indeed Americas-but last night was overkill to the highest order.

It was as if the whole show was supposed to emulate the notion that the US isnt a jokeshop in the eyes of the world thanks to Obama's win. Is MTV really a propaganda mechanism to sway the thoughts of teenagers/young adults in Europe to love America again?

The winners of some of the awards were highly undeserving and the titles MTV gives to awards now is to say the least puke. Tokio Hotel being nominated(not to mind winning an award-which they did) demeans art.

Bono-what were you thinking claiming the Beatles belong to Dublin and other self-rightous padding he gave to his introduction to Paul McCartney was cringe-tastic

Once again Kanye redeemed the show with a stellar perfrormance. MTV owe him

There were many instances throughout the MTV EMAs 2008 where I felt let down by life and society-I really did. It was truly awful stuff-shame on you MTV

Last nights Jools Holland show

2008-11-05T12:28:00.002Z

If you didnt get to see Later with Jools Holland last night(short half hour broadcast) on BB2 be sure to check out the full show on BBC2 this Friday at around 11.30 p.m.

It was so brilliantly random compared to most episodes. From Al Greens ambiguous interiew coupled with a rapturous performance of "Lets stay together" to Jools having to warn viewers of the impending strobe lighting(first time on the show I believe) coming from Pendulums performance. Then there was Damon Alburn showcasing his new project-and what fun it is......

The Wire

2008-11-04T09:11:00.002Z

After hearing rave reviews about this TV show for quite some time now through various blogs and articles I decided I had to submerge my bad self into the world of the Baltimore(setting of the show) police department. I also decided it best to start from the very beginning in order to allow myself concentrate on the whole picture.

Four episodes into series 1 and what do I think? It is a bloody good programme. It is utterly engrossing. I feel like hibernating right now and smacking myself in the face with all the later episodes and seasons(its at season 5 at present I believe)

In my opinion what sets it apart from all other "Cop" shows on the box at the moment is the sequence and flow of the storylines. The CSIs and all that are grand for one or two episodes but I always feel like each episode is a carbon copy of the rest given their format:

murder-problem-case-solve

The Wire seems to be a long running storyline centered around a loose and reluctant collection of cops delegated the role of breaking up a drugs ring ridden with unsolved murders in the Projects. Four episodes in and already I am indulged in the rugged network of police politics and corruption. Every scene and character encounter is relevant. The are funny moments too, which I like.

Get involved in this programme-you wont be disappointed.

MCD release Oasis to play Slane promo vid

2008-10-21T16:03:00.001+01:00

I just recieved an email from MCD there giving a link to their special promo video for Oasis being announced that they will play Slane. This is the first time I have seen such carry on.

Its all a bit much I think. I find it stangely peculiar that there is no mention of ticket prices on MCDs website either. And since when have tickets for Slane ever gone on sale before Christmas? There is a lot of panic out there!

More gigs announced for Dolans

2008-10-17T12:51:00.003+01:00

Firstly, Novembember 30th brings Tipperary favourite Gemma Hayes back to The Warehouse after her amazing show here last April.
Tickets priced €21 are going on sale at 3pm today.

Secondly..we are delighted to announce that Former Moloko vocalist Róisín Murphy will play a show here in Dolans on Tuesday December 1st.
Murphy rose to fame with Mark Brydon as electronic pop duo Moloko in the 1990s. The duo scored success with albums such as 'Do You Like My Tight Sweater?' and 'Things To Make And Do', as well as hit singles such as 'Sing It Back' and ''The Time Is Now'.
Murphy launched her solo career in 2005 with her debut album 'Ruby Blue' and signed with EMI in 2006. Her second album, 'Overpowered', was released in October and is described as a "heady mix of electronic dance anthems and soul-stirring pop songs".
Tickets priced €27 go on sale at 2pm today!

And Thirdly..THE FUTUREHEADS have confirmed a date here in The Warehouse of Tuesday December 16th! With tickets priced €18 they are a steal! Just the thing to get you fired up for the Christmas celebrations!
These tickets go on sale next Monday morning at 10am

This is great to see. There has been welcome influx of good acts hitting Limerick in the last few weeks between Dolans, Trinity Rooms and UL and it doesn't seem to be letting up.

I would highly recommend checking out Roisin Murphy for a night of funky pop boasting several costume changes!

Cheap packaging???

2008-10-14T09:38:00.002+01:00

On the morn of our impending National Budget I feel the need to shed light on something I have observed in the past week or so. If you go in to your local supermarket, or major one if thats the case, and have a look at the packaging on certain items like Coca Cola bottles or boxes of Barrys Tea. Do the graphics on the Coke labels seem a lot more simplistic than they were only a few weeks ago.

The Barrys Tea boxes' latest artwork is certainly cheaper looking, somewhat identical to it's discount catering-freindly.

Are the other major players going to follow suit and get rid of the pretty packaging?

P.S: Sorry about the lack of visual evidence-I don't usually carry around a camera when buying a pack of Cadburys Fingers (best biscuit out there so you know)

Cathy Davey

2008-10-10T09:31:00.002+01:00

I interviewed Cathy Davey on Wenesday night after her performance in UL's Jean Monnet Theatre. She was really nice and quite chatty. She is rather attractive too! It was quite relaxed as we chatted about the musical world and all its delights.

I got the feeling though that she was a bit unsure about her music(or maybe herself) The gig consisted of three covers which I found odd as the set was shortish and she has two albums of material to work off. With the aid of two accompanying bandmates she delivered a downtempo set with heavy connotations to the world of jazz.

She admitted that the new album will have a more jazzy feel to it and will be a tad deeper than the previous two albums.

The gig was coupled with a few mistakes and a set list change but Cathy displayed a sturdiness that rode through the hiccups. Her voice was sultry and alluring during the downtempo tunes and then punched through the upbeat numbers. The problem was the flow of the set list did not work. But the divergence towards a downtempo, jazzy-ish sound was something to be adored.

I look forward to hearing her coming album

Daedalus to play Limerick again

2008-10-10T09:13:00.004+01:00

Funkster Daedalus has been announced to play Trinity Rooms on Saturday the 25th October. The guy is one of the most innovative producers of experimental electronical musical frolicks. He also sports he best Side-burns in the industry. This should be a packed gig following his performance in The Cornmarket on behalf of Cheebah which I missed because I am a pussy.

Deadmau5 is also playing Trooms this coming Wendesday which will be a truly banging affair. If you want to make it a bumper night do check out Jape in Dolans on the same night(probably on about 9/10 while Deadmau5 starting at 12)

Happy Birthday Thom

2008-10-07T12:43:00.003+01:00

Happy Birthday Thom Yorke!

Thom is 40 today and I for one am quite sad as that leaves less years for him to fill my ears with the magic he has done in the past. Some may disagree but the man is one of the few instigators around at present that submits highly innovative music that becomes huge in the mainstream (take note Oasis)

I am feeling quite sombre about todays news so I shall retreat to my ipod for comfort.

Recession Talk

2008-10-02T09:36:00.003+01:00

So we now have 400 billion Euro to blow...........wahey!

One thing I noticed during all the doom and gloom of the recession hype over the past two or three months was the media evoking flashbacks of the 80s recession.

I have been folowing the media on a regular basis since I was capable of processing the information and call me lost/slow or whatever you want, but I was never aware of the extent of the 80s recession. I knew things werent the best and emigration was high but it sounded like Ireland was some post-apocalyptic gutter hole.

During the era of the Celtic Tiger was my generation covered in a sheet of bubblewrap(excuse the irony) from the dark days of mid 80s Ireland or were all the flashbacks the medias love tool?

Rolling Stone can be useful....at times....

2008-09-30T11:24:00.003+01:00

A guide to 50 of Autumns most talked about albums:

http://www.rollingstone.com/news/coverstory/23181054/page/1

Forgot to put this up last week..........

2008-09-30T10:58:00.001+01:00

FAT FREDDYS DROP

THE PRESETS

WHITE LIES

JOHNNY FOREIGNER

THOMAS TANTRUM

join

HERBIE HANCOCK, TV ON THE RADIO, CUT COPY, FUTURE OF THE LEFT, CLINIC, JAY REATARD & BESTIVAL REUNION TOUR (DAN LESAC vs SCROOBIUS PIP, 808 STATE, FLORENCE AND THE MACHINE, DJ YODA, ROB DABANK, THE CUBAN BROTHERS, MERCY ARMS, SOMBRERO SOUNDSYSTEM)

@

HEINEKEN GREEN SYNERGY: VILLAGE QUARTER

Tripod, Village, Whelans, Anseo, Solas and Shine

(Wed Nov. 12th – Sun Nov. 16th)

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The best festival this winter has just got better with Heineken Green Synergy expanding its line-up with a new mix of acts joining an already original and stellar bill.

FAT FREDDYS DROP bring their seven piece roots, dub, reggae, jazz and soul fusion from New Zealand to Tripod on Sunday November 16th. Woozy, echoing dub sonics characterise Based On A True Story, their best known release over here with uptempo party-type numbers like 'Roady,' which bounces with brass, organ bits and wah-treated guitar.

Fresh from wowing fans at the Electric Picnic, Aussie electro-pop duo THE PRESETS plan to rip it up again with some hedonistic beats in the Village on Sunday November 16th.

WHITE LIES are three 19/20 year olds from West London who only played their first gig together earlier this year yet already they've been signed to Fiction Records and Nick Cave, Morrissey and Mark Ronson have all been spotted at their gigs. Selking out their shows already, their debut single 'Unfinished Business' is an evocative moody tune. They play Whelans on Thursday November 13th.

Birmingham indie rock trio JOHNNY FOREIGNER hit Whelans on Wednesday November 12th with tracks from their debut album 'Waited Up 'Til It Was Light'. Support comes from THOMAS TANTRUM, a Southamption quartet whose infectious pop is already being championed by Glasvegas and Lily Allen.

And Heineken Green Synergy has more treats in store for the music fans in the Village Quarter this November. The countdown has just begun.

NEW SHOW DETAILS – on sale this Thursday @ 9am

FAT FREDDYS DROP / Tripod / Sun. Nov. 16th / €22.50 & €32.50

THE PRESETS / Village / Sun. Nov. 16th / €20

WHITE LIES / Whelans / Thurs. Nov. 13th / €12.50

JOHNNY FOREIGNER & THOMAS TANTRUM / Wed. Nov. 12th / €15

SHOWS ON SALE ALREADY

HERBIE HANCOCK / Tripod / Wed. Nov. 12th / €44.50 & €64.50

TV ON THE RADIO / Tripod / Sat. Nov. 15th / €22.50 & €27.50

CUT COPY / Village / Sat. Nov. 15th / €22.50

BESTIVAL REUNION TOUR / Tripod / Fri. Nov. 14th / €25

FUTURE OF THE LEFT / Whelans Upstairs / Fri. Nov. 14th / €15

CLINIC / Village / Wed. Nov. 12th / €15

JAY REATARD / Whelans Upstairs / Sun. Nov. 16th / €14

What a tasty treat this is! Feck this recession talk lets just party through it!

Feeling romantic?

2008-09-26T11:53:00.002+01:00

I have been told from a very sure source that the Swell Season will be gracing Limerick before Christmas.

Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova, stars of the low-budget gem "Once" will be playing St. Marys Cathedral (or St.Johns) to only 250 people. A lovely intimate setting to complement some charming tunes.

Score some serious brownie points guys and bring your lady friend

Lisa Hannigan

2008-09-24T23:21:00.003+01:00

I type this fresh from seeing Lisa Hannigan in the Jean Monnet Theatre in UL.

I got the chance to interview here before the gig and as I expected she was a real genuine and kind soul. She was full of chat and indifferent to any time constraints.

Onstage and she was quite simply captivating. Her voice just enraptures your attention through soft swindlings to heavy yet soothing bellows. I dont know about anyone else there but I felt somewhat seduced by her performance...she is lovely.

Full report and interview to come soon.....when I get the chance!

Zion Train to play Trinity Rooms

2008-09-19T12:11:00.002+01:00

Dub Reggae addicts should hit Trinity Rooms Sunday 2nd November to see Zion Train!

Saw these guys in the early months of 2007 in Dolans and it got frisky and sweaty! Be prepared to bop on to the frenzy!

RIP Richard Wright

2008-09-18T10:05:00.002+01:00

The legandary keyboard player for Pink Floyd Richard Wright passed away on Monday aged 65. His role was vital to the epic Pink Floyd sound. He was one of the founding members of the band.

Pink Floyd are one of my all time favourite bands and they have been one of the worlds most influential. No home should be without "Dark Side of the Moon".

How to steal/save the show

2008-09-17T17:22:00.003+01:00

I only got a chance to watch this years MTV VMAs yesterday and I have to say it was the blandest and most ridiculous show yet. If it wasn't for Russel Brand pushing the boundaries of what a presenter should say I would have gone off and made a curry.

The last performance was done by Kanye West displaying some of his new material from his forthcoming album. He really smacked the show in the right cheek. A gripping performance of a stomping new tune.

Elbow win the Mercury Music Prize 2008

2008-09-10T14:15:00.003+01:00

Congratulations to Elbow for winning this years Mercury for their album "The Seldom Seed Kid". Watching the awards last night on BBC 2 I couldnt help but be absolutely delighted for the band. Upon hearing of their win the band became exasperated with expressions of utter joy. Had Radiohead won it I dont think they would have displayed a fraction of the emotion Elbow did.

The album is beauty. It bursts with emotion and magnificient song arrangement. The track "Grounds for Divorce" just stomps its way all over the joint. My personal favourite from the album is "Some Riot". The piano sequence at the start is quite simply captivating and Guy Garveys vocal fall upon it eloquently. The song soars to an epic climax which leaves the listener feeling very tingly inside.

One other thing of note from the awards was Burial not showing up which was no real surprise given his anonymous stance. I wonder if he did turn up would he have won it for his album "Untrue" which was my personal favourite of the year?

Net Neutrality

2008-09-08T19:35:00.002+01:00

Nothing in this world seems safe anymore does it???..........

Mystery Jets new tune

2008-09-05T17:56:00.002+01:00

I like this a lot. It is a tad on the cheese radar but it does draw me in. It smacks a bit of the Smiths but with a fresher kick. Your man also makes me want to get my nose pierced.

Electric Picnic 2008

2008-09-05T17:52:00.001+01:00

Yes I am a tad late with my say on this....but I only after recovering from it now so whatever:

Highlights:

Sigor Ros on the main stage Friday night….what a performance, probably the best of the weekend

Kila surprising me with a set filled with theatrics and Celtic punk

Nick Cave and Grinderman tore the stage apart, Cave just owned the stage

The increased number of Art installations around the campsite led to such a vibrant landscape in which I could walk around the whole weekend

Putting the Bodytonic dance Village in one of the campsites was a genius stroke as it left the main area feeling less cluttered and more kid-free, which leads to my next point….

The apparent increase in number of families with small kids-it really was great to see all generations enjoying the festivities. If I had kids I would bring them with me without doubt

Hearing Mark Lanegans voice for the first time live when he played with the Gutter Twins….its so deep and coarse yet endearing at the same time

Going with my gut feeling and discovering two great acts: Pivot and Ullrich Schnauss- filled my tum tum with glee

Getting my bop on for the Foals

Lowlights:

The Body and Soul area being too big and cluttered-it really took away from the spirit of the area in the past years

The Sex Pistols-worst crowd I have seen for a headline at a main stage

Missing the following: Dan Deacon, Modeselektor, Benga and Rachel Allen getting her cook on

Waking up Sunday morning without my phone, wallet, jumper, sunglasses and my socks

No Portishead headlining-they should have been there

Missing Dark Side of the Oz in the cinema tent even though ive seen it before

Going home and getting a slap of Autumn in the face ever since